Hold

𝑻𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆

"Alright, let's get through this meeting as quickly as possible so you all can go do what you do best." Dominic said as he tapped on his tablet screen. "The tour is officially two months away, and we have to do some serious promoting for it. When you guys are rehearsing and recording things, I'd like you to get as much footage of yourselves as possible to put on your social media accounts. All content should be forwarded to our marketing team to sort through and approve before you upload anything. Refer to the meeting agenda to find their email address."

Everyone nodded and wrote things down as Dominic patiently waited to get to his next point. Toya was now officially deep into the no intimacy at work rule. I couldn't get even the smallest nod in my direction and though I'd rather be at her hip 24/7, I had to accept that the boundaries she'd set were for the best.

"If you all remember from the first meeting where you signed your contracts, you'll each be given a chance to shine onstage while you're on tour." Dominic continued. "Mike, you'll go first. Please prepare a fifteen minute set and hand in a rough draft of your setlist to the stage crew before the end of this week so you have more than enough time to prepare for the Lagos stage."

Mike blew out a nervous breath but smiled boldly as he assured Dominic he'd do as he was told. Much like the stipulations in Latoya's contract, the solo performances were an initiative to enhance their performance skills and give each of them a taste of what it felt like to take centre stage and be the star of the show. We'd received the official tour dates for all performances, so now it was down to rehearsals, wardrobe fittings and other behind the scenes stuff.

Dom had much more to say, addressing everyone individually and even breaking down how the tour dates and solo performances were specially designed to make each person in the room more recognisable to a growing fan base. The publicist in him answered every question with a confidence that placated any nerves in the room.

"Right, the last thing you need to know from me is that the Ungweru Nkhata Organisation is a proud sponsor of the African basketball playoffs this season and will therefore have a few acts from the label performing at the games. Towani, you'll go solo at the opening event, which is in a couple of weeks, and then you will all join him on the court to close things off. We'll be using the opening as an opportunity to promote the tour as well, so if you all can make it to the game in Musomi and show Note(d) some love, that would be great. Transport and accommodation will be arranged for those who are able to make it. Any questions?"

Heads were shaken as everyone indicated that they were on the same page with Dom, who acknowledged Toya and I with a subtle nod.

"Cool. Latoya and Towani, the floor is yours." he said, bringing about a bit of awkwardness, but the three of us had discussed a way forward on how to tackle the official announcement of our relationship so as not to stir up any more frustration.

Toya looked at me pleadingly, very obviously asking me to take the lead on this one—as I'd planned to do anyway. I squared my shoulders and cleared my throat, ready to get through it as quickly as possible.